Hangzhou

๐Ÿฅ

Health and Medical Services

Sections

1. Types of Medical Facilities Available

Hangzhou offers a range of medical facilities, from large public hospitals to private clinics and international medical centers. These facilities vary in terms of quality, cost, and accessibility.

Public Hospitals

  • Public hospitals in Hangzhou are the backbone of the healthcare system and are generally well-equipped, especially in urban areas.
  • Examples of major public hospitals:
    • Zhejiang University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital (ๆต™ๅคงไธ€้™ข): One of the top hospitals in China, offering advanced medical care.
    • Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (้‚ต้€ธๅคซๅŒป้™ข): A modern hospital affiliated with Zhejiang University, known for its international standards and English-speaking staff.
    • Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital (ๆญๅทž็บขๅๅญ—ไผšๅŒป้™ข): A reputable hospital for general care and emergencies.
  • Public hospitals are often crowded, and wait times can be long, especially in outpatient departments.

Private Clinics and International Medical Centers

  • Private clinics and international medical centers cater to expatriates and visitors who prefer shorter wait times and English-speaking staff.
  • Examples include:
    • United Family Hangzhou Clinic: Part of the United Family Healthcare network, offering high-quality care with English-speaking doctors.
    • Global Doctor Hangzhou Clinic: Specializes in family medicine and caters to the expatriate community.
  • These facilities are more expensive than public hospitals but provide a more comfortable and familiar experience for foreigners.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Clinics

  • Hangzhou is a hub for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and many clinics offer treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping therapy.
  • While TCM is widely respected in China, it may not be suitable for all medical conditions, and visitors should consult a doctor before trying these treatments.

2. Emergency Services

Ambulance Services

  • Dial 120 for medical emergencies. This connects you to the local ambulance service.
  • Ambulances in Hangzhou are operated by public hospitals and are generally reliable, but response times can vary depending on traffic and location.
  • Ambulance staff may not speak English, so itโ€™s advisable to have a Chinese-speaking contact or a translation app ready.

Emergency Rooms

  • Most public hospitals in Hangzhou have 24/7 emergency departments. Major hospitals like Zhejiang University First Affiliated Hospital and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital are well-equipped to handle emergencies.
  • Be prepared for a triage system where critical cases are prioritized. Non-urgent cases may experience long wait times.

3. How to Access Care

For Non-Emergency Care

  1. Registration (ๆŒ‚ๅท - Guร hร o):

    • At public hospitals, you need to register at the reception desk or self-service kiosks. Bring your passport for identification.
    • Registration fees are typically low (around 10-50 RMB, depending on the hospital and doctorโ€™s expertise).
    • For private clinics, appointments can usually be made online or by phone.

  2. Consultation:

    • After registration, youโ€™ll be directed to the appropriate department. Be prepared for crowded waiting areas in public hospitals.
    • In private clinics, appointments are scheduled, and wait times are minimal.

  3. Payment:

    • Public hospitals require payment upfront for consultations, tests, and treatments. Payment is usually made at the cashier desk.
    • Private clinics accept international credit cards, while public hospitals may only accept cash or Chinese payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay.

For Emergency Care

  • Go directly to the emergency department of a major hospital. Bring your passport and any relevant medical records.
  • Payment for emergency services is typically required upfront or immediately after treatment.

4. Costs

  • Public Hospitals:
    • Consultation fees: 10-50 RMB for general practitioners; 100-200 RMB for specialists.
    • Diagnostic tests (e.g., X-rays, blood tests): 100-500 RMB.
    • Hospitalization: 200-500 RMB per day for a shared room; private rooms are more expensive.
  • Private Clinics:
    • Consultation fees: 800-2,000 RMB, depending on the doctor and clinic.
    • Diagnostic tests and treatments are significantly more expensive than in public hospitals.
  • Ambulance Services:
    • Ambulance fees range from 50-200 RMB, depending on the distance.

5. Insurance Requirements

  • Travel Insurance:
    • Visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including evacuation if necessary.
  • Health Insurance for Residents:
    • Expats working in Hangzhou are often covered by employer-provided health insurance, which may include access to private clinics.
    • If youโ€™re not covered by employer insurance, consider purchasing international health insurance that includes coverage in China.
  • Public Health Insurance:
    • Residents with a Chinese work visa may be eligible for public health insurance, which significantly reduces costs at public hospitals. However, this insurance does not cover private clinics or international medical centers.

6. Language Considerations

  • English is not widely spoken in public hospitals. Doctors in major hospitals may have basic English proficiency, but communication can be challenging.
  • Private clinics and international medical centers usually have English-speaking staff.
  • Tips for overcoming language barriers:
    • Use a translation app like Google Translate or Pleco.
    • Bring a Chinese-speaking friend or colleague if possible.
    • Learn basic medical phrases in Mandarin, such as:
      • "I need a doctor" (ๆˆ‘้œ€่ฆๅŒป็”Ÿ - Wว’ xลซyร o yฤซshฤ“ng).
      • "I am in pain" (ๆˆ‘ๅพˆ็—› - Wว’ hฤ›n tรฒng).

7. Cultural and Local Factors

  • Payment Expectations:
    • In public hospitals, payment is required before receiving most treatments. Always carry cash or have access to Chinese mobile payment apps.
  • Crowds:
    • Public hospitals are often crowded, especially during mornings and weekends. Arrive early to avoid long waits.
  • TCM Integration:
    • Many public hospitals integrate TCM with Western medicine. You may be offered TCM treatments as part of your care.
  • Privacy:
    • Privacy standards in public hospitals may differ from what youโ€™re used to. For example, consultation rooms may not be fully private.
  • Health Check Requirements:
    • If youโ€™re an expat applying for a work visa, youโ€™ll need to undergo a health check at a designated hospital, such as the Hangzhou International Travel Healthcare Center.

8. Practical Tips

  • Always carry your passport and a copy of your health insurance policy.
  • Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your embassy and insurance provider.
  • Familiarize yourself with the nearest hospital or clinic to your residence.
  • Download Chinese payment apps (Alipay or WeChat Pay) for easier transactions.
  • If you have a chronic condition, bring a supply of your medication and a copy of your prescription, as not all medications are available in China.

By understanding the healthcare system in Hangzhou and preparing in advance, you can ensure a safer and more secure experience when accessing medical services in the city.